




Spectacular Autumn Foliage from Gondolas and Ropeways! 4 Prince Snow Resorts to Visit
At some Prince Snow Resorts, gondolas and ropeways also operate in autumn.
This allows visitors to fully enjoy autumn foliage while taking advantage of the dramatic differences in elevation and the open, expansive setting unique to ski resorts.
The vivid gradations of color created by changes in elevation and the sense of freedom that comes with an aerial stroll are special attractions of this season.
This article introduces four Prince Snow Resorts where visitors can enjoy autumn foliage, spectacular scenery, and nature, along with key points to know before visiting.
Take an aerial stroll while admiring the colorful mountains and savor the special scenery that can only be experienced in autumn.
Enjoy Autumn Foliage by Gondola and Ropeway! 3 Reasons Prince Snow Resorts Are Perfect for Autumn Foliage Viewing
In Japan, momijigari, or autumn foliage viewing, is a popular autumn pastime that involves strolling while admiring colorful leaves.
Temples, shrines, and gardens are well-known classic spots, but ski resorts are also wonderful places to enjoy scenery unique to autumn.
At Prince Snow Resorts, gondolas and ropeways provide easy access to mountainsides and summit areas, allowing visitors to admire colorful autumn foliage created by differences in elevation from a variety of angles.
Here are three reasons autumn foliage at Prince Snow Resorts is so appealing.
1. Easily Access Spectacular Views by Gondola and Ropeway
One of the attractions of Prince Snow Resorts is being able to reach spectacular scenic spots easily by gondola or ropeway.
Because you can travel to higher elevations without having to hike uphill, everyone from children to seniors can enjoy autumn foliage viewing with ease.
During the ride, red and yellow foliage fills the view from the windows, while the aerial stroll offers sweeping views of the mountainsides. The journey to your destination becomes a special memory in itself.

2. Take in the Gradation of Autumn Colors Created by Changes in Elevation
At high-elevation ski resorts, the progress of the autumn foliage varies depending on the location.
As you travel from the base of the mountain toward the summit, the colors gradually change, creating beautiful gradations of red, yellow, and green.
Another attraction unique to ski resorts is the ability to look out over entire mountainsides covered in autumn foliage from open slopes and scenic viewpoints.
Take in the magnificent autumn scenery created by the vast natural surroundings.

3. Relax and Enjoy Autumn Foliage Surrounded by Vast Nature
Prince Snow Resorts feature expansive grounds, allowing visitors to enjoy autumn foliage amid open and spacious scenery in fall.
At scenic viewpoints and along walking trails, you can spend your time however you like, whether taking photos or simply relaxing and admiring the scenery while breathing in the crisp, clear air.
Enjoy a peaceful autumn moment surrounded not only by colorful leaves but also by the nature and refreshing air unique to a mountain resort.

4 Prince Snow Resorts to Visit in Autumn for Spectacular Foliage
Prince Snow Resorts that operate in autumn offer gondola and ropeway rides with views of colorful foliage covering the mountains and magnificent natural scenery.
Each resort offers different landscapes and experiences, along with seasonal attractions such as aerial strolls and walks around the summit area. Here are four Prince Snow Resorts especially worth visiting in autumn.
Find the ski resort that best suits your travel plans and enjoy a memorable autumn surrounded by colorful foliage and magnificent nature.
1. Mt.Naeba / Naeba Ski Resort and Mt.Naeba / Kagura Ski Resort|Recommended for Those Who Want to Enjoy Autumn Foliage on a Grand Scale
In autumn, Mt.Naeba / Naeba Ski Resort and Mt.Naeba / Kagura Ski Resort offer spectacular views of expansive autumn foliage from the Naeba Dragondola, Japan’s longest gondola at 5,481 meters, and the Tashiro Ropeway, which boasts Japan’s highest ground clearance at approximately 230 meters.
The Dragondola offers an approximately 25-minute aerial stroll, with one beautiful scene after another unfolding below, including colorful mountainsides, valleys, and clear mountain streams.
The Tashiro Ropeway, meanwhile, offers sweeping views of the striking combination of emerald-green Futai Lake and autumn foliage.
Experience these two distinctive aerial strolls and take in the changing colors and scenery of autumn to the fullest.
After admiring the foliage, try activities such as buggy rides to experience the mountain environment up close.




2. Shizukuishi Ski Resort|Perfect for Those Who Want to Relax and Enjoy the Nature of Tohoku
At Shizukuishi Ski Resort, the approximately 931-meter-long Shizukuishi Galaxy Ropeway offers sweeping views of magnificent scenery, including Mount Iwate and colorful autumn foliage.
The vivid gradation of colors created by changes in elevation is another highlight, as the mountainsides gradually take on their autumn hues.
At the summit area, you can experience the magnificent nature of Tohoku up close while surrounded by crisp, clear air. When conditions are right, you may even encounter the dreamlike sight of a sea of clouds spreading out with Mount Iwate in the background.
Enjoy the tranquil autumn atmosphere of Tohoku while taking in the scenery created by Mount Iwate and the colorful foliage.




3. Hakkaisan Ski Resort|Ideal for Enjoying Mountain Scenery and Autumn Foliage Together
At Hakkaisan Ski Resort, the approximately 2,217-meter-long Hakkaisan Ropeway offers a stunning 360-degree panorama of the Uonuma Basin and the Echigo Sanzan mountain range.
Walking trails are available around the summit station at an elevation of 1,147 meters, making it easy to enjoy trekking while admiring the magnificent mountain scenery.
A sea of clouds covering the Uonuma Basin is another autumn highlight.
When conditions are right, you can take in a dreamlike sea of clouds stretching out below in a full 360-degree panorama.
At the base of the mountain, visitors can also enjoy local flavors such as rice balls made with Koshihikari rice from Minamiuonuma and mushroom soup.
Along with the autumn scenery viewed from the Hakkaisan Ropeway, be sure to savor the distinctive local flavors as well.




4. Furano Ski Resort|Recommended for Those Who Want to Experience Hokkaido’s Magnificent Scenery
At Furano Ski Resort, the Furano Ropeway offers sweeping views of magnificent scenery, including the Tokachidake Mountain Range, the Daisetsuzan Mountain Range, and the Furano Basin.
At the summit, approximately 900 meters above sea level, Panorama Deck 900 offers expansive views of the vast natural scenery unique to Hokkaido.
When conditions are right, a sea of clouds may spread across the Furano Basin, creating a spectacular Hokkaido landscape together with the magnificent surrounding mountains.
Autumn also offers plenty of other ways to enjoy the area, from strolling through the forest at Ningle Terrace at the base of the mountain to savoring dishes made with seasonal ingredients from Hokkaido.
Enjoy these autumn experiences together with the distinctive Hokkaido foliage viewed from the Furano Ropeway.




3 Points to Check Before Visiting Prince Snow Resorts
Before visiting a ski resort operating in autumn, checking the best viewing period, weather, and appropriate clothing will help you enjoy the autumn foliage more comfortably.
Here are three points to keep in mind before your visit.
1. Check Autumn Foliage Conditions with the Live Camera
Some facilities provide a Live Camera that lets you check mountain conditions in real time.
Because you can see the progress of the autumn colors and the weather in real time, it is easier to plan your trip around the best time for autumn foliage.
Checking before departure increases your chances of seeing scenery unique to that particular time of year.
2. Enjoy Clear Air and Spectacular Scenery in the Morning
The morning is a time when the air is especially clear, making the mountains and autumn foliage appear even more vivid.
When weather conditions are right, you may also encounter dreamlike scenery such as a sea of clouds.
Another advantage of visiting in the morning is that it can be easier to avoid crowds.

3. Bring an Extra Layer Because It Can Be Cold at the Summit
Summit areas accessible by ropeway or gondola are at higher elevations and are cooler than lowland areas.
Because it can feel chilly when the wind picks up, bringing an extra layer such as a lightweight jacket or windbreaker is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions about Prince Snow Resorts in Autumn
Q
When is the best time to see the autumn foliage?
The best viewing period varies by ski resort and elevation, but autumn foliage can generally be enjoyed from late September through early November.
Q
Can I use just the gondola or ropeway?
During the autumn operating season, some ski resorts allow visitors to use only the gondola or ropeway. Operating dates, hours, and fares vary by facility, so check the official website of each ski resort in advance.
Q
Can families with children enjoy the resorts?
Using a gondola or ropeway makes it possible to reach summit areas without hiking up the mountain, making it easy for families with children to enjoy the autumn foliage. Each ski resort also offers a variety of walking trails, scenic viewpoints, activities, and other attractions.
Q
Can ski resorts also be enjoyed in seasons other than autumn and winter?
Depending on the ski resort, a variety of activities are available outside the autumn foliage season as well. Different seasonal experiences include ropeways offering spectacular green-season scenery and night ropeways that operate after dark. Operating periods and activities vary by facility, so check the official website in advance.
FAQ about Prince Snow Resorts in Autumn
Autumn foliage viewed while riding a gondola or ropeway is a special sight unique to the season.
Each of the four Prince Snow Resorts featured in this article offers its own autumn attractions, from vivid foliage covering the mountains to magnificent natural scenery.
Check the best viewing period and weather, then head to Prince Snow Resorts to experience spectacular scenery found only in autumn.